COP 31 in Antalya: The five major issues at the heart of the agenda for African countries

From November 9 to 20, 2026, Antalya, Turkey, will host the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 31). This new edition takes place against a backdrop of worsening climate impacts, tensions in energy markets, and expectations from developing countries regarding the implementation of international commitments. For African countries, including Senegal, several issues will be central to the discussions: financing adaptation, the energy transition, access to affordable energy, trade, and coastal zone resilience.

Five key issues on the agenda for discussion

During these 12 days of work, the African participants, including Senegal, will focus on five main issues:

1. Climate finance: Africa demands concrete commitments. The African Group of Negotiators (AGN) wants to place at the heart of discussions the implementation of the objective of tripling adaptation finance by 2035, as well as the role of the Green Climate Fund.

The publication on November 4th of the new United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on the adaptation financing gap has heightened the focus on this issue. These discussions are particularly important for Senegal, which faces challenges including coastal erosion, flooding, and the vulnerability of its agriculture to climate change.

2. Energy Transition: How to Accelerate the Phase-Out of Fossil Fuels? COP 31 will examine ways to advance the transition to energy systems less dependent on fossil fuels. Several events are planned, including one dedicated to this transition on November 10 and a high-level dialogue on November 11. For Senegal, these discussions take place within the context of diversifying the energy mix, developing renewable energies, and seeking a balance between energy security, climate ambitions, and economic development.

3. Electrification: Towards New Global Commitments. Electrification is among the key topics at COP 31, including an initiative aiming for a global electrification rate of 35% of final energy consumption by 2035. Discussions will focus on the necessary investments in renewable energy, electricity grids, and energy infrastructure. These issues align with the priorities of many African countries regarding universal access to electricity, affordable energy, and industrial development.

4. Trade and green industrialization: growing challenges for African economies. The African Group of Negotiators also proposes placing trade issues on the agenda of climate negotiations.

The evolution of international climate policies raises important questions regarding the competitiveness of African economies, investments in clean technologies, and the opportunities for developing new industrial sectors. For Senegal, these discussions resonate with national ambitions for green industrialization and economic transformation.

5. Oceans and coastal resilience: greater consideration in negotiations. A coalition of more than 100 countries is calling for stronger integration of ocean considerations into the implementation of the Paris Agreement, particularly regarding adaptation, financing, and emissions reductions. Discussions could lead to new initiatives concerning the protection of marine ecosystems, clean shipping, and the resilience of coastal communities.

These issues directly concern Senegal and other West African coastal countries, which are particularly exposed to coastal erosion and rising sea levels.

Key dates to remember:

November 9: Official opening of COP 31

November 10: Energy and transport

November 11 and 12: World Leaders Summit

November 13: Finance and trade

November 16: Science, Industry and Technology

November 17: Oceans, seas and nature

November 20: Negotiations are expected to conclude on November 20.

International experts on climate finance, renewable energy, electrification and energy transition are also among the stakeholders who can be mobilized during the conference.